Close Up Interview With The Artist Olga Kolesnik

Tell us a little about yourself and what you do.

I am a full time artist working from my Sydney home studio. A few of years ago I started painting professionally and developing my own style. I would call myself a Contemporary Colourist. I love colours and believe that our relationship with them works both ways. They influence our feelings and, at the same time, our mood or personality dictates what colours we dislike, like or choose. My paintings explore communication between bold, vibrant, energetic bright colours and human emotions.

Where do you get your inspiration from when you paint?

I need very little to be inspired. It can be an unusual colour combination, morning or evening light illuminating a flower, tree, cloud or distant figure, a photo I took 5 years ago or an interesting idea that I stumbled across in a book.

Tell us about your very first job and what path have you taken since then?

My first job was working as an engineer in a research centre after graduating from the university. In a past life I was a chemical engineer, research scientist, product manager, purchasing manager, a sales and marketing consultant to name just a few. Funnily enough, I have never being bored as I always tried to find a creative side of each job. For many years my time revolved around my family and career. I painted only when I had a chance.

Acrylic on canvas

76 x 38 cm

About 10 year ago we moved to Australia from Russia. The very first job in Sydney was at IFAW as a mail room volunteer so I could practice my English. I ended up illustrating an IFAW’s book for aboriginal kids about ‘How to look after your dog’.

Then the time finally came when I have realized that colour of my lipstick was the only colour in my life. So I decided that it wasn’t good enough for me and I simply couldn’t resist any longer not to paint. Here in Sydney I joined art societies and a gallery, did workshops and classes with the best Australian artists, started exhibiting and selling my paintings via art shows, galleries and websites. Last year I held my first solo exhibition showcasing my new art style paintings.

As an artist, what is your biggest frustration?

A day spent without painting. When I know that today I will have only little time to paint, I spend it by sketching, drawing and planning my future art projects. Recently, I started turning both my paintings and black & white scribbles of cockatoos into greeting cards.

Tell us about how you prioritise your art?

I am trying to limit my other activities such as hobbies and businesses to focus on my art that is more important to me now.

Acrylic on canvas
71 x 51 cm

How do you connect with other artists, and your customers (i.e. how do you network)?

Through Facebook, art exhibitions, Internet, on-line galleries, radio and newspapers. I met and became friends with many Sydney artists through art societies and my art supplies business. On weekends I work at a gallery and really enjoy meeting new people and having a chat with old customers.

Your advice to artist who are just starting out?

Do not wait till you are old to ‘start wearing a bright red dress’. Dare to be bold, brave, eccentric and different. Think HOW it can help you to follow your dreams. Do it NOW.

Tell us about your upcoming group Art exhibition at ArtSHINE Gallery?

This is my first ever exhibition at the ArtSHINE Gallery and I am really looking forward to it.

It’s a wonderful art community formed around the Chippendale gallery. I am expecting a good vibe, friendly atmosphere and interesting art.

Acrylic on canvas
79 x 38 cm

What is your proudest moment so far?

It happens every time when someone buys my art and I feel grateful to the many people. A small girl, who talked her parents into buying my painting at my very first art exhibition. A woman, who fell in love with my painting that I just brought into the gallery that morning. A rugby player, who I would never have guessed liked my style and subject matters. It keeps me going and gives me a great satisfaction and inspiration to paint more.

Acrylic on canvas
76 x 38 cm

What is the most important lesson in life that you have learned?

It’s never too late in life to start doing something that one day can change your life for the better. I thought that I was a late bloomer in art. But at the Sydney Contemporary 2015 a gallerist told me a story about one Argentinian artist.

The artist always painted, never considered herself a professional artist and only started exhibiting her abstract works in 2000 at the tender age of 83. She is almost 100 years old now and still going strong, painting every day and successfully selling worldwide. A-mazing!